[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 87 (Friday, May 3, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 36765]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09622]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XD927]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27514-01

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for permit amendment.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Heather E. Liwanag, Ph.D., 
California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis 
Obispo, CA 93407-0401, has applied for an amendment to Scientific 
Research Permit No. 27514.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 3, 2024.

ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for 
review by selecting ``Records Open for Public Comment'' from the 
``Features'' box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species 
home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 
27514-01 from the list of available applications. These documents are 
also available upon written request via email to 
[email protected].
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to [email protected]. Please include File No. 27514-01 in the 
subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request via email to [email protected]. The request 
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application 
would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Skidmore or Sara Young, (301) 
427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject amendment to Permit No. 27514 is 
requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 
1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing 
the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), and the 
Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    Permit No. 27514, issued on March 21, 2024 (89 FR 27418, April 17, 
2024), authorizes the permit holder to conduct research on northern 
elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) in California, including 
unintentional harassment of California sea lions (Zalophus 
californianus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and northern fur seals 
(Callorhinus ursinus). The permit holder is requesting the permit be 
amended to increase the unintentional harassment for California sea 
lions from 50 to 150 animals and northern fur seals from 25 to 100.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that 
the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to 
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
    Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of this application to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: April 29, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-09622 Filed 5-2-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P